Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was an awesome sword-fighter, a dragon-whisperer, and the greatest viking hero who ever lived. But it wasn't always like that. Hiccup's memoirs look back to when Hiccup was just an ordinary boy, and finding it very hard to be a hero. Hiccup must battle Berserks, dodge Scarers, complete the Impossible Task and save Fishlegs from being fed to the Beast! And all while being hunted down by an old enemy with a dark secret about the Lost Throne. What's a hero to do?

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Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was an awesome sword-fighter, a dragon-whisperer, and the greatest viking hero who ever lived. But it wasn't always like that. Hiccup's memoirs look back to when Hiccup was just an ordinary boy, and finding it very hard to be a hero. Hiccup must battle Berserks, dodge Scarers, complete the Impossible Task and save Fishlegs from being fed to the Beast! And all while being hunted down by an old enemy with a dark secret about the Lost Throne. What's a hero to do?

Having stumbled upon David Tennant's reading of How to Train Your Dragon, our family became firm fans of the audiobooks of the series. This is the best one yet, and that's high praise indeed.The story has Cressida Cowell's trademark mix of humour, suspense and action. In fact, this time the suspense is notched right up, thanks to a supposedly haunted beach, a blind witch and ancient stories of kingly betrayal.The narration is a joy, with Tennant giving full rein to his remarkable capacity for accents. In addition to the regular characters, he brings to life 11 fiancés and their betrothed, the witch and her son, a fierce warrior girl, a heartbroken dragon and some menacing tribal chiefs (one of whom, deliciously, seems to have been inspired by the Kray twins).The kids (8 and 10) want to listen to it over and over in the car, and it's so entertaining they get no argument from me.

While keeping the easy to read and overall sense of the series, the books are progressively getting darker, and even a bit scarier. My 5 and 8 year old have listened to this in their delight, less laughs but more intrigue.

The next two books are not yet on Audible, so I'm reading them to them - which is OK but I can't do the voices as David Tennet does so the performance is missing (I do try Toothless which they appreciate). The next two books get even somewhat darker and Hiccup is in more trouble. But book 8 sets things up and seems important later so don't miss it.

I like kid books on occasion. Don't get into this one thinking its anything like the movie though. So long as you keep the two separate from each other its enjoyable even for adults. Very cute and adorable as well as a lot of fun.

If you could sum up How to Break a Dragon's Heart in three words, what would they be?

Fun For All

What other book might you compare How to Break a Dragon's Heart to and why?

Haven't read children's books in ages, but this was so much FUN! Great engaging story and masterfully narrated. Once I listened to one of the "Dragon" books, I had to purchase them all!. Funny, adventurous, life lessons - just wonderful and amazing for readers of all ages.

Audible lists this book in the 5-7 years old age category, and was among the top rated books listed as for that age group. I played it for my 5 year old twins without pre-listening to it. I have had to explain murder, death in childbirth, deliberate infanticide, profanity (mild profanity for me but nothing I say in front of my kids) and various kinds of cruelty. I have to say in all fairness, I listened to it myself and enjoyed it (when I didn't have to worry about the kids), but as a book I bought for my kids to listen to in the car, it gets a bad rating.

I thought of it as similar to how I think of violent video games. I enjoy them privately, when the kids are in bed but do not think them appropriate for small children.

Has How to Break a Dragon's Heart turned you off from other books in this genre?

No. I love this stuff. I enjoyed it personally and think the twins will enjoy these books when they are older.

What didn’t you like about David Tennant’s performance?

I actually loved the performance. My only objection is the material for the 5-7 age category.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Horror (that my kids were hearing it and really wanted to keep listening). My daughter was frightened for Hiccup and was upset she couldn't finish listening the the death contest between him and the witch, because she wanted to know if she'd be killed.

Any additional comments?

Simply remove this as a recommended choice for 5-7 year olds. The books are clearly MUCH different than the movie (as often happens) and clearly are not written for little kids...

We have 3 boys aged 9,7&4. They absolutely love these stories. They listen to them endlessly. David Tennant does a great job of doing the voices. The only problem is that when we ready the books out to the kids at bedtime they expect us to do the voices too... Stoik the vast is tricky.

A great story read with enjoyment by the doctor.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

TEZ FROST

Bath, UK

4/14/13

Overall

"Toothless Daydream"

I love this audible book because it is about dragons. I really like the part where they set free the dragon Furious because the whole island went up in flames and it is a funny chapter. My favourite is Toothless as he is disobedient and never does what Hiccup tells him, especially when he eats the magic stone!

Sophie, age 6.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Joanne

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

4/9/13

Overall

"Diverting Dragons and David T."

Bought to ensure peace and quiet in the car, this book has ensured that my five tear old (dare I say it... myself as well! ) have been totally engaged in that lost art. ..of listening! !

It's brilliant. The book itself is delightful and focuses on Hiccup and his Viking life. With many a giggle at his and fellow Vikings adventures. It sucks you in (yes you too, the adult reading this) and David Tennant is brilliant. He uses many accents and voices to set the scene. David is completely engaging, enigmatic and bursting with energy and as this is our initial foray into audio books, has been a great success. For both of us. Although I suspect I am probably a tad more 'hooked'

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bruce Skinner

Banchory, Scotland

4/7/13

Overall

"Fun, Gripping, well read, not just for the Kids"

We have two boys 6 & 9yrs and I was looking for something other than music or eye spy etc to occupy long car journeys and BINGO I happened across this (and the series of them)

Cressida Cowell is one seriously creative, imaginative and humorous writer and it gets even better when David Tennant narrates them.

We found ourselves arriving at our destinations, and none of us wanting to get out of the car, we were so gripped by the stories.

The best thing is, there are 5 in the series, we have listened to 4 so far and none of them have been a disappointment.

Download "how to train your dragon" and I am sure you wont be disappointed.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

andziula63

LONDON, United Kingdom

12/28/12

Overall

"Superb"

Absolutely great story to read, especially for boys. Whole series by Cressida Cowell is very imaginative, adventures and very funny!!! Audio by David Tennant is superb whole family listen and enjoy … Great for all ages from 5 to 95 years old. Thank you so much!!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

STEVE

6/14/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great story and narrator"

The whole family loves listening to this series on long car journeys. Makes the miles fly by.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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